5 Reasons We Love Honeymooning in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is the quintessential honeymoon confection: picture sugar-white sand, blue skies with whipped cream clouds, and frothy surf. Here's five other reasons to escape here after your big day:

1. Lounge chairs made for two

Sure, you'll find teak lounge chairs by the pool and the sea, but many of the top Caribbean resorts have swapped out a few of those classic recliners for Balinese day beds big enough for couples. Often round, wicker, and topped with mountains of pillows, they're the perfect place to spend the first full day of your honeymoon together, leaving your newlywed nest only to cool off with a dip.

2. Tiny paper umbrellas

On a hot beachy day, nothing beats the heat like a frozen midday cocktail. Look for ones made with locally grown fruit, rather than those powdered mixes, and be sure to save the colorful little umbrellas just in case you want to make a scrapbook later.

There may be no sexier vacation moment than returning to your room for a post swim shower after a long steamy day in the sun, and emerging in a fresh white towel only to notice that the rays have left swimsuit lines on your lover's skin.

4. Fresh local seafood

Yes, whenever you see a local dish — whether it's spicy jerk fish, fresh Barbados fish sandwiches, or Bahamian conch fritters — you should order it, especially if it's made with the sweet fruit of the Caribbean Sea.

5. Reggae and soca

In the evenings, many resorts have live music on their terraces, either for pre-dinner cocktail hours or post-dinner dancing. Resist the urge to run right back to your room to toast your new union privately, and take advantage of the moment to get lost in the sounds of the local tunes. Whether it's a steep-pan band or a singer belting out Bob Marley's greatest hits, you'll always think back to the moment when you hear that sound later.